African Swine Fever: ‘Ticking Bomb’ Found in Illegal Meat Trade, New Variant Emerges in Catalonia
BARCELONA, ITALY – A concerning new development in the ongoing battle against African Swine Fever (ASF) has emerged, with Italian researchers discovering the virus’s DNA in a significant proportion of illegally traded wild boar meat. Simultaneously, a previously unknown variant of the virus, dubbed variant 29, has been identified in Catalonia, Spain, prompting urgent warnings for European pork producers and food safety officials. This is a breaking news situation with potentially far-reaching consequences, and SEO optimization is crucial to disseminate information quickly.
One in Four Samples Test Positive for ASF DNA
Since January 2022, Italy has been grappling with ASF, primarily affecting wild boar populations and, increasingly, domestic farms. A recent investigation by the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marches (IZSUM) focused on the illegal national trade of wild boar and meat products seized due to improper labeling or import irregularities. The findings, published in late November, are alarming: 25% of the analyzed samples contained ASF DNA.
“These are very high results,” explains Francesco Feliziani, co-author of the report and director of IZUM. “While we’ve detected the DNA, we haven’t found the active, infectious virus *yet*. However, the presence of the virus in imported meat products is a ticking bomb. These products could come into contact with wild boars or pigs, potentially reintroducing the virus into livestock farms.” Wild boars, acting as a natural reservoir, can carry the virus over vast distances, exacerbating the risk.
How Did the Virus Enter Italy – and Now Catalonia?
The exact origin of the ASF outbreak in Italy remains unclear, but researchers believe human activity played a key role. “It actively entered, probably through waste, scraps, or contaminated food,” Feliziani states. Suspect sources include sausages, leftover meat carried by tourists or workers, and informally imported food from infected regions. The same transmission routes are suspected for the new variant detected in Catalonia.
The newly discovered variant, designated variant 29, features a significant 9.8 kB deletion in the MGF505 gene. While viruses mutate, this is an unusually large change for ASF, which typically exhibits a stable genome. “This virus has a very large and very stable genome, so mutations are usually small and infrequent,” explains Feliziani. “This mutation is exceptional and suggests a long period of evolution. It’s practically impossible for this to have occurred in a laboratory; a natural origin is far more likely.”
A Complex Virus and the Challenge of Sequencing
Understanding the ASF virus is a monumental task. It boasts the largest DNA genome of any animal-infecting virus, containing over 150 genes, many of which remain poorly understood. Its genetic complexity, with repeated regions and structural variations, makes accurate sequencing incredibly difficult. Researchers are currently comparing the genetic code of the new variant to samples from Italy, but the sheer size of the genome presents a significant challenge.
Lessons from Italy: Prevention is Paramount
Italy’s long experience with ASF offers valuable lessons for Catalonia and other European regions. “We have been fighting this disease for many years,” says Feliziani. “It requires substantial resources, but eradication is essential for the survival of the pork industry. The key is to apply the measures outlined in European regulations swiftly and precisely. Isolating sick animals quickly is crucial.”
Combating the illegal trade in wild boar meat within the EU is also critical. The risk isn’t limited to large-scale smuggling; even a sandwich brought from an infected area can contribute to the spread. In some regions, economic hardship leads to the consumption of infected animals, further fueling the cycle. Since there’s currently no cure or vaccine, prevention – a “scorched earth policy” of disinfection and rigorous control – is the only viable strategy.
The situation demands heightened vigilance, increased testing, and a collaborative effort across borders. The future of Europe’s pork industry, and the health of its wild boar populations, may depend on it. Stay informed with the latest updates on ASF and food safety protocols here at archyde.com, your source for timely and reliable Google News.
